Rolandvue,3rd Week November: Death or Dormancy, Porcelain Berry Vines




The luxuriant vines of a few weeks ago have become dormant. At this stage the vines would be difficult to identify but we know this area was covered with porcelain berry, a relative of the common grape.  By extension from the grape vine literature the vine though appearing dead is still physiologically active. The residual nutrients from the leaves had to be transported down to the roots.  The roots will remain active until the spring.  This may be the best time to harvest some roots at the point of maximum energy storage, though there are no references to using porcelain berry roots.  Were we trying to grow these plants this would be a time for continued added nutrients and watering.

Dormancy is a winter survival behavior, there is less water in the tissues, more protein, and cell membrane changes preparing for frost.  There is some respiration going on but no photosynthesis. There are stored carbohydrates for the first month of spring and the early budding.  The vascular system is "plugged" to help prevent freezing. But some bud cells are present ready for the warmer weather.  Budding can be forced artificially but probably not of interest for these invasive cousins of the grape.